Rafael Benitez graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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Rafael Benitez graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Rafael Celestino Benitez (NSN: 0-82557/1100), United States Navy, for heroic service as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. DACE (SS-247), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces in the South China Sea Area from 2 December 1944 to 28 January 1945. Skilled and efficient in the performance of his duties, Lieutenant Commander Benitez assisted his Commanding Officer in accomplishing a special mine-laying mission in very shallow waters close to hostile shorelines and in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of one enemy freighter and the damaging of another. Through his coolness and initiative, he contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading hostile countermeasures, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Benitez is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Rafael Celestino Benitez (NSN: 0-82557/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Engineer and Diving Officer, attached to the U.S.S. GRENADIER (SS-210), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the Pacific Area from 12 April to 10 June 1942. Precisely controlling depth, Lieutenant Commander Benitez rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer during attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 24,400 tons and, in addition, contributed materially to the success of his ship in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men of his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Rafael Celestino Benitez (NSN: 0-82557/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. DACE (SS-247), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 1 September to 6 November 1944. Expertly utilizing attack data and fire control equipment, Lieutenant Commander Benitez rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in delivering attacks to destroy one major enemy warship and two large merchantmen. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.